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Survey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalence
Survey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalence
HIV prevalence in South Africa across all ages decreased from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022, resulting in a decline from 7.9 million (2017) to 7.8 million (2022) people living with the virus.
This is based on the findings of the sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), which was released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) at the 2024 International AIDS Conference on Wednesday.
While HIV prevalence has decreased across all age groups, data shows that females continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with a prevalence of 16.4%, compared to males at 8.8% across all age groups.
Prevalence peaks at 34.2% for females aged 35 to 39 years, whereas prevalence peaks at 27.1% for males aged 45 to 49 years.
The survey also found that HIV incidence in individuals aged two years and older in 2022 was 0.44%, resulting in 232 400 new HIV infections in South Africa.
HIV incidence was at 0.60% among adults 15 years and older translating to 227 400, 0.39% among youth and young adults aged 15 to 24, and 0.72% among adults aged 15 to 49 years.
In addition, the HIV incidence rate in 2022 was consistently higher in females than males in all age categories.
“In terms of treatment, South Africa recorded an increase in antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage, from 63.7% in 2017 to 80.9% in 2022,” the HSRC said.
This means an estimated 5 700 000 people living with HIV receive ART, an increase from 4 500 000 in 2017.
“A greater proportion of females, 83.2% than males, 76.2% were on ART.”
Data shows that HIV viral load suppression stands at 81.4% for all ages.
Evaluating progress
The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, evaluates the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI, and TB Strategic Plan.
It also monitors HIV indicators for national and international reporting.
The survey also assessed progress towards the 2030 UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, HIV drug resistance, and the relationship between social and behavioural factors, intimate partner violence, and HIV infection.
In December 2020, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) outlined a set of new targets ensuring that 95% of all individuals living with HIV are aware of their HIV status, 95% of all individuals diagnosed with HIV infection receive continuous treatment, and 95% of all those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2025.
The HSRC said progress towards the 95-95-95 targets improved, with 89.6% of people living with HIV knowing their status, and of those knowing their status, 90.7% were on treatment, with 93.9% of those who knew their status and being on treatment, being virally suppressed.
“Improvement across the 95-95-95 indicators was more pronounced in males compared to females.”
Overall, the survey found that 81.4% of all people living with HIV were virally suppressed.
“However, it is concerning that the survey further reveals that gaps remain in knowledge of HIV status among youth aged 15 to 24 (73.1%). Early sexual debut, age-disparate relationships, multiple sexual partners, and low condom use persist as key drivers of HIV.”
According to the findings, the awareness and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are increasing.
Stigma
Overall principal investigator of the study, Professor Khangelani Zuma, stated that HIV-related stigma persists as a significant issue among individuals aged 15 years and older.
“Addressing stigma is essential to improving the quality of life and well-being of people living with HIV. However, of the six questions related to HIV-related stigma, the majority yielded results that indicated that most people held positive attitudes toward people living with HIV,” said Zuma.
Response rate
The survey achieved a household response rate of 80% and an individual interview response rate of 94.1%.
A total of 47 766 participants provided blood specimens for HIV testing, resulting in a testing response rate of 62.7%.
The professor said this indicates that the results suggest advancements in the fight against the HIV epidemic in South Africa.
“This is evidenced by a stabilisation of HIV prevalence, ageing epidemic, a reduction in HIV incidence, enhancements in HIV treatment outcomes such as increased rates of ART coverage and viral load suppression (VLS) in line with the 95-95-95 targets,” he added.
The study has since recommended key actions that can address the HIV epidemic as a public health threat in South Africa by 2030.
These include continuing intensive programmes focusing on reducing new infections among adolescent girls and young women.
It also proposed enhancement of prevention efforts that target groups disproportionately affected by the drivers of HIV infection such as women and young people. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:25
509 views
Well wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga
Well wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga
Government has congratulated Nwabisa Makunga who is the current Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) on her appointment as Chairperson of the forum.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the appointment of Makunga is a demonstration of her ability and capability.
“Makunga’s elevation to this important responsibility is an inspiration to many women journalists and proof that the media industry is making great strides in affirming gender equality. It is a further demonstration of the triumph of abilities over obstacles of women in the media sector,” Mnukwa said on Thursday.
Makunga will lead a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.
“The media landscape is going through challenges, especially with the emergence of digital media and the impact of social media. SANEF is, amongst others, ceased with navigating challenges in the media sector such as declining revenues, shrinking media houses, fake news enabled by artificial Intelligence and other emerging threats to the information platforms,” Mnukwa said.
It is against this background that the GCIS is looking forward to further fostering its partnership with the forum and it office bearers, and the media as a whole.
“I want to reiterate that GCIS recognises the significant contributions made by SANEF in upholding press freedom, ethical journalism, and media diversity in South Africa,” Mnukwa said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:41
441 views
President Cyril Ramaphosa Conveys Condolences to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
President Cyril Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences following the recent landslides in Gofa, South Western Ethiopia, which tragically took the lives of at least 250 of people at this stage.
President Ramaphosa said the South African people's thoughts are with the people of Ethiopia, particularly the bereaved families, during this period of mourning. Our hearts goes out to the Government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at this difficult time.
President Ramaphosa recalled the strong and historic relations between South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back to the struggle against apartheid.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
SA firefighters to help fight Canadian fires
SA firefighters to help fight Canadian fires
The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) is deploying a team of more than 200 firefighters and management to the Canadian province of Alberta to assist with fire fighting efforts.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that wildfires near the Canadian town of Jasper have forced more than 25 000 to flee one of the country’s largest national parks as multiple blazes and thick smoke descended on the Rocky Mountain community.
The report said the town is home to 5 000 full-time residents, alongside 5 000 seasonal workers.
The request for urgent assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Canada and South Africa.
The MOU signed in 2019, provides for exchanging wild land fire management resources between the two countries.
The WOF have been on five deployments to Canada between 2015 and 2023 based on the MoU.
The five deployments include the historic deployment of 860 firefighters and management in 2023, one of the largest deployments of international firefighters to Canada.
The organisation said they have since finalised the deployment list of firefighters and management.
The team is currently at Kishugu Training Academy in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, for a training camp for final preparation before departure.
The group will depart for Canada via a charter arranged by the CIFFC on Friday, 26 July 2024, from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and are expected to be there for 39 days.
Flying the SA flag high
“We extend our best wishes to the team as they embark on their deployment to Canada to help put out the fires raging in Alberta.
“They go to Canada to raise the South Africa flag and share their expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces and countries.”
The team includes pump-trained firefighters with valid yellow cards, with more than three years of firefighting experience and physically fit.
Meanwhile, 30% of the selected firefighters in the first deployment are women, including three members of the management team, which the WOF believes highlights its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In addition, several of the team members have previous international firefighting experience, which further enhances their expertise in tackling complex fire situations.
“We are proud that South Africa is again able to assist Canadian firefighting teams in their battle to bring the wildfires under control. The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta.”
Local operations
The WOF has since reassured all their partners and stakeholders that this deployment will not have any impact on South African firefighting operations.
“Every one of our 200-plus firefighting bases in South Africa will continue to provide firefighting and fire prevention services to our partners and landowners.”
The organisation said they will still have just over 5 000 firefighters available at these bases throughout South Africa.
“Should there be major wildland fire activities in our winter fire season provinces, we will, as we have done in the past, be able to deploy our Western and Eastern Cape firefighters to these hotspots. No partner and landowner will be left without any firefighting operations from Working on Fire, and we urge you to communicate with us directly should you have any enquiries.”
WOF is an expanded public works programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.
The programme, funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, recruits participants from marginalised communities and trains them in fire awareness and education, fire prevention and fire suppression skills. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 14:09
81 views
Condolences for Knysna fire victims
Condolences for Knysna fire victims
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has extended his condolences to the families of the three people who tragically lost their lives in a fire at the Garden Route National Park in Knysna.
The fire broke out at the Tree Top Chalet on 18 July 2024 where two South African National Parks (SANParks) staff and one non-SANParks person died.
Ranger Services was notified of smoke permeating near the forest and upon investigation found the chalet ablaze. Emergency services were dispatched from the Bitou Municipality Fire Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS) were called.
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow following the devastating fire at Garden Route National Park that claimed three precious lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We are committed to providing all necessary support during this difficult time," the Minister said on Thursday.
During the process of managing and containing the fire, three bodies which were burnt beyond recognition, were discovered. An inquest has been opened with the police and the process of identifying the bodies through DNA testing is underway.
The names of the deceased will be disclosed once the identification process has been finalised.
“SANParks is in regular contact with the SAPS and in close liaison with and providing support to the families during this most difficult time. With the matter still under investigation, I appeal for space and respect to the family members,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 12:29
220 views
How South Africa’s vehicle retail landscape is adapting to change
South Africa’s choice of motor vehicle segment and body shape is changing – perhaps permanently – and, as a struggling market adapts to new realities, brand favourites face challenges too. South Africa’s motor retail industry landscape over the past 15 years has been affected by slow economic growth, poor infrastructure, political uncertainty and a series …
Condolences for fire Knysna victims
Condolences for fire Knysna victims
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has extended his condolences to the families of the three people who tragically lost their lives in a fire at the Garden Route National Park in Knysna.
The fire broke out at the Tree Top Chalet on 18 July 2024 where two South African National Parks (SANParks) staff and one non-SANParks person died.
Ranger Services was notified of smoke permeating near the forest and upon investigation found the chalet ablaze. Emergency services were dispatched from the Bitou Municipality Fire Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS) were called.
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow following the devastating fire at Garden Route National Park that claimed three precious lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We are committed to providing all necessary support during this difficult time," the Minister said on Thursday.
During the process of managing and containing the fire, three bodies which were burnt beyond recognition, were discovered. An inquest has been opened with the police and the process of identifying the bodies through DNA testing is underway.
The names of the deceased will be disclosed once the identification process has been finalised.
“SANParks is in regular contact with the SAPS and in close liaison with and providing support to the families during this most difficult time. With the matter still under investigation, I appeal for space and respect to the family members,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 12:29
31 views
CSA Announce Men’s Domestic Fixtures For 2024/2025 Season
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Top 5 Instagrammable spots in Midlands Meander
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SA’s Hidden Treasure: Groundwater and its use
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Coetzee Ruled Out Of West Indies Test Tour
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Africa Data Centres announces additional 6MW capacity now live in Cape Town
Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has announced it is expanding its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.
This expansion shows the data centre giant adding three new state-of-the-art halls in new areas on the campus and adds another 6MW of IT load, effectively doubling its current capacity. The new expansion was implemented with support from the United States through an up to $300 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to Africa Data Centres.
According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava, “This expansion by Africa Data Centres is in response to the increasing demand for co-location capacity in South Africa. Not only is Cape Town the second largest economy in South Africa, but it is also the de facto software and technology hub in Southern Africa.”
The company is seeing tremendous growth in the data centre market in South Africa generally, as both national and international cloud and IT service providers seek to expand their footprints in the region.
In terms of size, the expansion adds 1000 racks of white space or the space available for customers to lease, although the physical site is significantly larger than that. It is made up of two more colocation data halls and one hyperscale hall.
The additional halls are built in the cutting-edge modular design pioneered by Africa Data Centres, which enables rapid scalability and a modern design that allows the facility to be populated as and when required to suit the needs of the customer.
Pemhiwa says this would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of ICT, Western Cape Provincial Government and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development. “I would like to acknowledge their ongoing support, as we expand our data centre facilities in South Africa.”
The new halls feature the same cutting-edge security standards and focus on the elements that matter most to clients, including scalability, flexibility, and energy efficiency, to bring world-class, affordable solutions to all its clients in the area. This data centre is highly flexible and designed to accommodate different and evolving customer demands.
Additionally, this data centre boasts hybrid cooling technology capable of handling both air cooling and liquid cooling. Despite its versatility, no compromises were made on efficiency. It is one of the most efficient and sustainable data centres ever built in South Africa. It is powered by renewable energy, boasts a Water Usage Effectiveness of 0 due to no water consumption for the IT infrastructure, and has an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness rating as well.
The Africa Data Centres' CPT1 facility is at the forefront of pioneering the use of wheeled solar power in the market. This innovation is enabled through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in March last year with Distributed Power Africa, part of the Cassava Technologies group. Africa Data Centres is the first company to successfully implement this groundbreaking technology in Africa, marking it the continent's first project of its kind.
“The introduction of wheeled solar power at the CPT1 facility offers significant benefits to our' customers, providing a truly sustainable data centre solution. As the demand for data continues to skyrocket across Africa, a continent where power supply is often intermittent, the need for reliable, cost-effective, and green power has never been more critical,” said Finhai Munzara, Interim CEO of Africa Data Centres.
By harnessing renewable energy, he says the CPT1 facility not only ensures consistent power supply but also supports sustainable operations, helping customers achieve their environmental goals. “Our state-of-the-art facility reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, setting a new standard for sustainability in the data centre industry.”
Munzara adds that Cape Town is an excellent location for colocation facilities as it is a stone's throw away from all the submarine cable landing stations. In addition, the Cape Town facility houses the Cape Town Internet Exchange (CINX), which makes multi-region peering more accessible, efficient, and easy to manage. This also facilitates direct connections between networks, enabling data to flow more efficiently and reducing latency, giving our users a faster, more responsive online experience.
In ending, Munzara says the expansion increases the capacity of the company's data centres in South Africa and it is an integral part of its investment plans to deliver several additional data facilities across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
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About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/
President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company
President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company
With government moving full steam ahead with plans to establish a holding company for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has been assigned the responsibility to finalise the processes.
“The SOEs that were previously under the stewardship of the Department of Public Enterprises will report to their respective line departments in terms of policy and regulatory matters,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday in Parliament.
Responding to the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote speech, the President reiterated that government is introducing legislation to establish a state-owned holding company to oversee and coordinate key strategic SOEs.
“The legislation will assign the functions of the holding company, which will cover issues of governance, financial management, remuneration standards and similar matters.
“This is in line with global best practice and is the approach taken by many countries with SOEs that successfully fulfil a social and economic development mandate.
“While some in this House might be dismissive of the work being coordinated in the Presidency, let us not lose sight of what these measures mean for the everyday lives of South African citizens. They mean more affordable and reliable electricity, cleaner water, efficient trains and lower data costs,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, turning to other issues, the President said with just a small team of dedicated officials in the Presidency and National Treasury working closely with a wide range of government departments and entities, the President said the reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela have had a measurable impact on growth and investment.
“These structural reforms are in the most strategic and critical sectors of our economy, as I indicated yesterday. They are in energy, in logistics, in telecommunications, in visa reform and in water.
“The reforms that are underway in the water sector – like reinstituting water quality monitoring systems, developing a raw water pricing strategy, and establishing a Water Partnerships Office to develop water infrastructure – have direct and material benefits for service delivery,” the President said.
Improved water infrastructure ensures more reliable and sustainable water supply while water quality management systems mean cleaner water and a reduced health risk.
“The ultimate beneficiary is the people of South Africa, and strengthening and enhancing the economy of our country,” the President said.
He said the reforms being implemented are laying a robust foundation for sustained economic and social progress.
“We have noted calls for programmes to involve young unemployed people in various forms of work, training and development. Contrary to some suggestions in the debate, we do have such programmes.
“These include the successful National Rural Youth Service Corps programme – known as NARYSEC – which provides opportunities to unemployed rural youth. We also spoke yesterday about other public and social employment programmes that have a large number of young participants.
“The challenge we have now is to scale up these programmes within available resources to ensure that they have a greater reach and impact,” the President said.
Size of the Executive
On the matter of the size of the Executive, the President said at this moment in South Africa’s history, the country faces complex and urgent challenges, which require strong coordination from the centre of government.
“While we continue to seek ways to use the resources of the state optimally, we have also had to ensure that we achieve inclusivity and balance. We believe that this is important for ensuring governance outcomes that serve the interests of all South Africans.
“Most importantly, we will ensure that the machinery of government works efficiently, and that it is used to advance the people’s interests and improve their lives.
“We will ensure that we reduce waste, rationalise and restructure our state-owned entities, and continue to direct the majority of our budget towards sustaining the social wage and investing in infrastructure,” the President said.
He said now more than ever, government must demonstrate what the people of South Africa can achieve when they work together.
“We must seize the opportunity that this Government of National Unity presents to restore these people’s trust in our democracy, and to realise the promise of dignity and equality that is contained in our Constitution.
“Five years from now, let us be able to say that we have made a difference in the lives of our people. Let us ensure that we take our beautiful country closer to the society of which we have all dreamed. And let us make sure that we leave no-one behind,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 15:32
160 views
Hollywood and Manqoba Mngqithi Foundations Partner to Prioritise Youth in Football
The Hollywood Foundation is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Manqoba Mngqithi Foundation tournament, aimed at fostering youth sports development in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal. The tournament, scheduled for 27 July 2024, at the Umzimkhulu Turf Ground, promises to be a pivotal event for local youth football. The Manqoba Mngqithi Foundation, founded by esteemed coach …
Transnet granted R18.85 billion loan
Transnet granted R18.85 billion loan
The African Development Bank Group has approved a R18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet for its recovery and growth plans.
Transnet has faced operational challenges mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank. The loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet’s capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy.
“The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives,” Group Chief Executive of Transnet Michelle Phillips said.
The 25-year loan, which was approved by the African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors on 12 July 2024 is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa.
It will facilitate the first phase of the company’s R152.8 billion ($8. 1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain.
“The company is committed to addressing past challenges, fostering integrity, and enhancing efficiency within the organization. It has made progress in some key areas, including reforms in governance procurement and financial management,” a joint statement by Transnet and the African Development Bank said.
Recovery Plan
In October 2023, Transnet launched its recovery plan, which seeks to rehabilitate infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands.
“Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive Recovery Plan (RP), addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa’s strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level.
"This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth,” African Development Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor said.
Transnet has been a client of the African Development Bank since 2010. The company employs more than 50 000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy.
The company’s freight system’s activities contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy.
Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region, such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:25
215 views
CSA Coaches Conference 2024 To Solidify Domestic Cricket Plans
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the upcoming 2024 Coaches’ Conference and Workshop, set to take place in Tshwane...
KZN Transport and SANTACO to meet over route disputes
KZN Transport and SANTACO to meet over route disputes
The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department is expected to hold a meeting with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and law enforcement officials to discuss and find lasting solutions to the ongoing disputes over taxi routes.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
This comes after illegal taxi operators blocked a road in Mayiwane, Ulundi, on Monday morning, and the blockaded the R34 in Empangeni Mill, on Tuesday morning.
The road in Empangeni was later re-opened following intervention by law enforcement agencies and the department.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the consistent and bold leadership displayed by SANTACO regarding the management of a dispute over the Nkonjeni route and illegal taxi operations in the region.
The MEC has received a briefing from the Head of the Department, Siboniso Mbhele, and the team regarding the disputes over the taxi routes, dating back to over two years.
“The department’s interventions and enforcement of the law will be intensified to ensure stability,” Duma said, while also emphasising that the meeting will not only ensure that a long-lasting solution is reached, but will also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the benefit of local commuters who rely on public transport.
The MEC also commended law enforcement agencies and municipalities that are working closely with the department to ensure compliance with the laws and the by-laws.
“The safety of commuters and the public at large is our priority. In particular, as a department, we have a responsibility to protect the businesses of honest taxi operators from illegal taxi operators and other criminals who use the taxi industry to achieve their objectives.
“Having assumed my new responsibilities in the department, we will have standing meetings with SANTACO. This is an important stakeholder, as it represents more than 246 associations and 16 regions.”
He added that SANTACO is responsible for the socio-economic well-being of the province.
“Across South Africa, statistics show that the number of people using taxi services each day is more than 15 million, with an annual turnover of more than R40 billion. In addition, taxi operators spend more than R15 billion on fuel and more than R10 billion on vehicles, [and] spend more than R150 million buying tyres annually.” SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:54
61 views
The Black Business Council (BBC) commends H.E. President Ramaphosa for signing into law the long-awaited Public Procurement Bill
The Black Business Council (BBC) commends H.E. President Ramaphosa for signing into law the long-awaited Public Procurement Bill. This is a historic moment in our democracy. In our view, this is the most important legislation, secondary only to the South African Constitution. This legislation will ensure that the state is able to set aside procurement …
Aren’t Towers a ‘Core Business’ for Communications Companies?
We try to answer the question; “Why are South African Telcos selling off their cellphone towers to foreign tower companies like Helios, SBA etc.” It is estimated that there are between 24 000 and 74 000 cellphone towers in South Africa. The USA is estimated to have over 200 000 Cell Towers. Let’s rewind a …
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Local company to showcase wares at Essential and Vegetable Oils conference
Local company to showcase wares at Essential and Vegetable Oils conference
Dinda Technologies, a distinctly South African company and role-player in harnessing the power of indigenous plants for modern uses and purposes, will display its innovative approach at the third South African Conference on Essential and Vegetable Oils.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host the conference in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Southern African Essential Oils Producers Association (SAEOPA).
The two-day conference will be held at the South African National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria on Thursday and Friday, said the dtic in a statement.
The gathering will bring together key stakeholders in the essential and vegetable oils industry.
Dinda Technologies' participation underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and the advancement of this dynamic field.
Dinda Technologies' story is one of passion and dedication. Founded by entrepreneur Patrick Mthebule, the company is built on the core principle to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge of indigenous plants and contemporary needs.
Mthebule's focus on sustainable practices has positioned Dinda as a distinct role player in developing plant-based solutions across diverse categories. The company champions the sustainable use of Africa's rich botanical heritage.
“Dinda Technologies was born from a deep respect for indigenous knowledge systems and wisdom. We translate age-old practices into the development of effective and sustainable plant and herb-based products. From cosmetics and haircare solutions to household detergents, our creations cater for modern needs while honouring our roots.”
Showcasing it's products at the conference underscores the Tshwane-based company’s unwavering commitment to elevating the status of indigenous plant-based products within South Africa.
“I believe that Africa's indigenous plants hold immense potential to contribute to individual well-being and economic prosperity.
“By showcasing Dinda Technologies’ work at this popular conference, we aim to connect with a wider audience and inspire a movement towards a more sustainable and empowered future,” Mthebule said.
He said their participation at the conference was a significant step towards achieving their vision.
“It will assist us to unlock the full potential of indigenous plants for a sustainable future through the joining of forces with industry leaders and fostering collaboration with other like-minded entrepreneurs,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 09:53
602 views